Having the sea on two sides gives it a particularly bracing microclimate, with gusty winds from the north and, in winter, icy blasts from the south.

The 2013 ERO report was favorable while pointing out areas for improvement, for example in monitoring achievement and attendance levels.

[4] The four houses at Rongotai College are named after the school's first four headmasters,[6] Dates denote period enrolled as student In October 1981, newspapers reported Principal, Noel Mackay, acknowledging that he had videoed the canings of about 25 boys.

Mackay explained this as an experiment to see why experienced teachers often 'miss the target' and leave boys with embarrassing marks on their lower buttocks.

A CAVE spokesperson said the Rongotai case confirmed their fears of the sort of abuse they had suspected went on in schools.

Following a report from the Committee in November 1981, the Board found that Mr Mackay had acted within his authority while filming the canings and expressed their confidence in him.

[8] In response to a 2019 allegation made by a former student of sexual impropriety by Mackay, the Rongotai College Board of Trustees stated they were unaware of the complaint until contacted by a reporter.